Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) was allowed to play in preseason games before he started his suspension. / Isaiah J. Downing, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Von Miller didn't profess to be a changed man and didn't promise he would never mess up again.

But on his first day back at work after serving a six-game suspension, Miller did vow to earn back the trust of his teammates and fans of the Denver Broncos through his actions on and off the field.

"All I can ask is that everybody judge me on my actions going forward, and I can gain everybody's trust back that way," Miller said Monday. "Trust is huge. I can't sit here and say this isn't going to happen, or this is going to happen, or all that. All I can do is take it one day at a time and earn everybody's trust back, one day at a time."

The NFL suspended Miller, a two-time Pro Bowler with 30 sacks in his first two seasons, for a substance abuse policy violation after he provided a diluted urine sample during a routine drug test this spring.

Though Miller did not test positive for recreational drugs, because he was in Stage 2 of the league's drug program because of a positive test as a rookie in 2011, the diluted sample was considered a violation and triggered a four-game suspension that he and his legal team were set to appeal. During that process in August, it was discovered that Miller had tried to work with a drug collector to swap out a different urine sample. After that discovery, Miller's camp and the league negotiated a six-game suspension - a compromise that warded off what could have been a one-year ban.

Miller chose not to answer questions Monday about any of the violations, saying it "wouldn't anybody any good" to try to defend himself.

"I've already served my suspension," Miller said.

Miller, who is now in Stage 3 of the league's drug program will remain there for the duration of his career and be subject to frequent testing, with a violation resulting in a one-year suspension.

Miller also was arrested in August on a warrant to appear in court on a traffic ticket and was citing for speeding and driving on a suspended license in early September.

"In the last two, two and a half months, I've really had to mature up a lot. It was a lot of stuff that I didn't see that I see now. I've definitely taken strides to do that," Miller said. "I can't sit here and say I'm super mature now that this has happened. It's a constant struggle, but I know if I can take it one day at a time, I know I'll get there."

Miller was allowed to remain at the team's headquarters during his suspension and has been working out in the Broncos' gym and attending all regular meetings with his teammates. He was barred, however, from practicing and attending games.

The Broncos have received a roster exemption to allow Miller to practice this week before adding him to the active roster. The team must release a player to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for Miller by Saturday, a day before Miller makes his 2013 debut against the Colts in Indianapolis.

Miller spent the past six weeks focusing on reshaping his body through workouts and a new diet, and he is noticeably bigger in his upper body. When Miller suits up for his first practice on Wednesday, he will be playing at over 260 pounds for the first time in his career.

"I've still got a long career ahead of me, and I'm certain I can gain everybody's trust back," Miller said. "I love football, and to have football taken away from you, it's tough. It's definitely been tough, to get football back, it's a blessing. It's a blessing that everything I set out to do is still right here in front of me."

The Broncos went 6-0 without Miller, who is unquestionably the team's best defensive player. But the defense has missed his disruptive presence, and is currently ranked last in the NFL in pass defense.

"He's a dynamic rusher. He's one of the better ones in this league; I think most people would agree," Broncos coach John Fox said. "Obviously we're real excited to get him back. We'll see what kind of football fitness he is in come Wednesday. But he creates a tough one-on-one matchup for most offenses."